Enlargement Package 2023
On 8 November 2023, the European Commission adopted its 2023 Enlargement Package, providing a detailed assessment of the state of play and the progress made by the Western Balkans, Türkiye, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine on their respective paths towards the European Union, with a particular focus on implementing fundamental reforms, as well as clear guidance on the reform priorities ahead.
New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans
On 08 November 2023, the European Commission also adopted a new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, with the aim of bringing some of the benefits of membership to the region in advance of accession, boost economic growth and accelerate much needed socio-economic convergence. The objective should be to enable partners to step up reforms and investments to significantly accelerate the speed of the enlargement process and the growth of their economies. For this, a new €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans has been proposed for the period 2024-2027.
Support for Ukraine
The EU stands united in its solidarity with Ukraine and will continue to support Ukraine and its people together with its international partners, including through political, financial and humanitarian support as long as needed.
The EU has reacted swiftly and decisively against Russia’s aggression by adopting unprecedented packages of sanctions targeting the Russian economy and financial system, the Kremlin media machine and its corrupt elite.
Latest news
EU and Moldova extend Road Transport Agreement until 31 December 2025
The EU and Moldova decided today to extend the validity of their current road transport Agreement until 31 December 2025. The Agreement aims at helping Moldova access world markets by facilitating transit through EU countries and also further developing its links with the EU market.
Commission proposes increased tariffs on Russian and Belarusian grain products
The European Commission is today proposing to increase the tariffs on imports into the EU of cereals, oilseeds, and derived products (‘grain products') from Russia and Belarus, including wheat, maize, and sunflower meal.
EU and Ukraine continue strengthening Solidarity Lanes and cooperation on connectivity, safety and sustainability of transport
The third high-level meeting of the EU-Ukraine Transport Dialogue took place yesterday in Kyiv, focusing on efforts to keep Ukraine's exports and imports moving via the Solidarity Lanes, improving connectivity, safety and security as well as sustainability.
Opening remarks by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Michel following the meeting of the European Council of 21 March 2024
Let me start with Ukraine and the consequences of Russia's war of aggression. We continue very clearly to stand by Ukraine, as we have pledged. Our EUR 4.5 billion payment this week is the first from the Ukraine Fund and further proof of this resolve.